bed of roses
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - A situation or condition of ease, comfort, or pleasantness: The phrase "bed of roses" is an idiom that metaphorically describes a life, situation, or experience that is entirely comfortable, happy, and free from difficulties or problems.
Usage
The term is almost exclusively used in idiomatic expressions, typically in the negative form ("not a bed of roses") to state that a situation is difficult or challenging. It can also be used hypothetically or rhetorically.
Examples
- Negative Construction:
- Being a CEO is not a bed of roses; it comes with immense pressure and responsibility.
- Their marriage looks perfect, but I'm sure it hasn't always been a bed of roses.
- Hypothetical/Rhetorical Use:
- Did you think running your own business would be a bed of roses?
- Life is no bed of roses for anyone.
Advanced Usage
- "to be a bed of roses": To be an entirely easy and pleasant situation.
- Contrary to popular belief, the life of a professional athlete is not always a bed of roses.
Variants and Related Words
- Rosy (adj): Cheerful, optimistic, or promising success; colored like a rose.
- She has a rosy outlook on the future.
- Rose-colored glasses (idiom): An optimistic or idealistic perspective that ignores negative aspects.
- He views his childhood through rose-colored glasses.
Synonyms
- Easy street: A condition of financial ease or prosperity.
- Life of Riley: A carefree, comfortable, and enjoyable way of living.
- Paradise: A place or state of perfect happiness.
- Picnic (informal, often used in the negative): An easy or enjoyable task or experience.
Antonyms
- Hard slog: A period of difficult, tiring work or travel.
- Uphill battle: A very difficult struggle.
- Nightmare: A very unpleasant or frightening experience or situation.
Related Idioms
- Come up roses: To result in a very favorable or successful outcome.
- Despite the early problems, in the end, everything came up roses.
- Stop and smell the roses: To take time to enjoy life's pleasures.
- You work too hard; you need to stop and smell the roses.
Noun
- a flower bed in which roses are growing